Velma West Sykes

Christmas parable: The stable boy had finished work that day, Had filled the manger with new, fragrant hay, Had fed the beasts, and usually would sleep Snuggled for warmth among the placid sheep; But not tonight, for he'd conceived a plan To join a merchant's camel caravan And travel to far places. He had heard Exciting tales of cities which had stirred His longing for adventure. He would go Where things were happening; his friends would know Why he had gone. He often said to them, "Oh, nothing happens here in bethlehem." He looked back once, before they traveled far, And wondered vaguely: why that brilliant star?